Honda Car Forum

Here's my problem. I have a 1994 Honda Accord EX 4 cylinder Sedan with a 4speed Automatic. When the car is idle, doesn't matter what gear, it jerks at random times. Is it the transmission? Transmission fluid? Or just the cold weather? This all started about a month ago.

what do you mean it jerks?

when was the last time you had the tranny flushed? Maybe the bands adjusted by a transmission service shop would help as well if the problem is not solved by service... then again, it could be something engine related, such as poor ignition, timing belt slipping...does the car run poorly? do you have to 'rev' it up to get it to go? really hard to diagnose over the net, but try the flush first, then take it to a shop if your not happy.. good luck

it prolly needs a trans fluid flush but it could be the cold weather it happens from time to time

If the car is at idle its not moving so it should be engine related and not transmission related. If by "jerks" you mean the engine surges or hiccups then its probably related to your engine ignition system or to the idle control system. I don't know what the maintenance history is on your car. The first things to check are the distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires. Cold weather will affect them and if they're old, just replace them.the second thing is the basic tune-up items--spark plugs, filters and most importantly the valve adjustment. If you can't remember the last time the valves were adjusted then its time to do them. Back on those models the valves should be adjusted every 15000 miles. There is no one single adjustment that is as critical to the way the car runs, the engine power or to fuel economy as the valve adjustment.lastly, the idle control system is probably choked with carbon (think soot in a chimney). when that happens the car struggles to hold a smooth idle. Chances are your throttle body needs to be cleaned.hope that helps